About the Office of Experiential Learning

Structured experiential learning opportunities enable students to effectively manage complexity and ambiguity; encounter and wrestle with authentic ethical dilemmas; understand and value different perspectives; and reflect on their purpose and aspirations in life. Experiential learning can also contribute positively to students’ future engagement at work and long-term well-being (Gallup-Purdue Index Report 2014).

OEL works to support, improve, and grow experiential learning opportunities; develop and implement new pedagogical, curricular, and advising models; and create a more intentional, integrated, and impactful ecosystem within the Institute.

Recently, we’ve created two resource guides to help hands-on programs make the switch to virtual and incorporate reflection into their programming; launched a new class designed to teach ethics in real-world settings; launched another class to teach students how to make an impact on sustainability in their lives and careers; created a new initiative to make sure that every undergraduate had access to a funded experiential learning opportunity (ELO) during the 2020-2021 academic year; and created a brand new platform called ELx to help students find ELOs. (And yeah, we coined a couple of new acronyms along the way…)

Last but definitely not least, we’re home to four awesome experiential learning centers and programs: D-Lab, the Edgerton Center, PKG Public Service Center, and UROP.